Nongstoin by-poll
NONGSTOIN: With just over 10 days to go for the Nongstoin by-poll, door-to-door campaign by contestants has gained momentum even as the so-called political pundits are analyzing their chances in the upcoming election.
Four candidates are in fray for the prized seat which has been held by the HSPDP under the leadership of Late Hoping Stone Lyngdoh for decades.
According to some local political analysts, a triangular contest between Congress’ Gabriel Wahlang, HSPDP’s Dios Jyndiang and Independent candidate Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait is on the cards in Nongstoin. However, indications are that the UDP nominee Mosklander Marngar can secure a large chunk of votes from the youth.
While some voters feel that Nongstoin needs a legislator, local or otherwise, who knows all about the place, others are more likely to go for a known face.
The political analysts also feel that while Wahlang has a chance of faring well in the urban centre, Jyndiang and Nonglait may have the edge in the outskirts.
It may be mentioned that with 29,000 voters set to exercise their franchise, anybody securing around 10,000 votes should easily claim the seat.
Meanwhile, there are rumours that A. Pariong will not support Congress candidate Gabriel Wahlang even as sources claimed that infighting in the Congress due to the stand-off between Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and KHADC CEM PN Syiem over the dual post Bill can affect the poll prospect of the party candidate in Nongstoin.
Rumours were also making the rounds that Pariong’s supporters may eventually end up backing Jyndiang.